Trying to smooth out the SE ride
Thread Starter
Donating Maxima.org Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 115
Trying to smooth out the SE ride
I am less than enamored with the ride on the ‘04 SE and am thinking that moving to 17" wheels with 55 series tires might help a bit. (Before you say, "Shoulda gotten the SL," I wanted the 5 spd. auto.)
The SSR-GT1's are awesome wheels, but when I contacted Tirerack, they IMMEDIATELY responded with this message:
“For the 04 Nissan Maxima SE we do have a few 17" wheels that we guarantee will work on the vehicle for our snow tire and wheel packages but we don't list the SSR GT1's. So I could only guarantee the fitment would work for the SST GT1's in 18 inch only for your vehicle.”
Does anybody know of a reason that 17" wheels (specifically the SSR-GT1's) would not fit on the SE? Or, is there someone at Nissan I can check with?
When you look at the Maxima brochure, here are the relevant differences:
1. SE - 18" x 7.5" wheels SL - 17" x 7.0" wheels
2. SE - Sport-tuned suspension - firmer front springs, revised front strut and rear shock tuning
SL - Luxury tuned suspension
The brakes are apparently the same with both models - there is no distinction listed.
The SSR-GT1's are awesome wheels, but when I contacted Tirerack, they IMMEDIATELY responded with this message:
“For the 04 Nissan Maxima SE we do have a few 17" wheels that we guarantee will work on the vehicle for our snow tire and wheel packages but we don't list the SSR GT1's. So I could only guarantee the fitment would work for the SST GT1's in 18 inch only for your vehicle.”
Does anybody know of a reason that 17" wheels (specifically the SSR-GT1's) would not fit on the SE? Or, is there someone at Nissan I can check with?
When you look at the Maxima brochure, here are the relevant differences:
1. SE - 18" x 7.5" wheels SL - 17" x 7.0" wheels
2. SE - Sport-tuned suspension - firmer front springs, revised front strut and rear shock tuning
SL - Luxury tuned suspension
The brakes are apparently the same with both models - there is no distinction listed.
Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 70
Isn't the suspension different too between the SL and SE? Do you really think that changing down 1 inch in tire size will make that much difference? Very little bang for the buck I would imagine. And hell, even the SL is no Towncar ride either.
Member
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 95
True, the SL even though it has better ride than the SE, still rides firmer than a luxury car. My SL handles very well for me too. I wanted the 5 speed auto too but got the SL because they cut me a better deal and I liked the interior a bit better. I don't think the tire change will give you a softer ride. You need to change the springs and shocks.
Supporting Maxima.org Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 628
Originally Posted by MaxPilot
True, the SL even though it has better ride than the SE, still rides firmer than a luxury car. My SL handles very well for me too. I wanted the 5 speed auto too but got the SL because they cut me a better deal and I liked the interior a bit better. I don't think the tire change will give you a softer ride. You need to change the springs and shocks.
Why not have your dealer install a set of SL tires and rims for you to test out on your car? Might save some grief down the road...
Donating Maxima.org Member
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 366
I think that The 18's and the sporttuned suspension make for a stiffer ride..... I found that the ride is a bit stiff but bearable....I also think that leather makes the ride alot me bearable...If you want try to get some softer sprigs mabye they will help. Try www.tirerack.com and see what they have to offer.
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